Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV): Earnings Analysis

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) recently reported its preliminary financial results based on which we provide a unique peer-based analysis of the company. Our analysis is based on the company’s performance over the last twelve months (unless stated otherwise). For a more detailed analysis of this company (and over 40,000 other global equities) please visit www.capitalcube.com.

Valuation Drivers

Southwest Airlines Co.’s current Price/Book of 0.9 is about median in its peer group. The market expects LUV-US to grow earnings about as fast as the median of its chosen peers (PE of 13.3 compared to peer median of 11.7) but not to expect much improvement in its below peer median rates of return (ROE of 7.3% compared to the peer median ROE of 14.0%).

The company’s asset efficiency (asset turns of 0.9x) and net profit margins of 2.9% are both median for its peer group. LUV-US’s net margin is similar to its five-year average net margin of 2.8%.

Economic Moat

The company has achieved better revenues growth than its chosen peers (year-on-year change in revenues of 29.4%) but its earnings growth performance has been below the median (change in annual reported earnings of -61.2% compared to the peer median of -36.3%). This suggests that, compared to its peers, the company is focused more on top-line revenues. LUV-US is currently converting every 1% of change in revenue into -2.1% change in annual reported earnings.

LUV-US’s return on assets is above its peer median both in the current period (2.7% vs. peer median 2.0%) and also over the past five years (2.1% vs. peer median -1.2%). This performance suggests that the company’s relatively high operating returns are sustainable.

Growth & Investment Strategy

While LUV-US’s revenues have grown faster than the peer median (12.4% vs. 7.8% respectively for the past three years), the market gives the stock an about peer median PE ratio of 13.3. This suggests that the market has some questions about the company’s long-term strategy.

LUV-US’s annualized rate of change in capital of 7.3% over the past three years is higher than its peer median of 2.1%. This investment has generated an above peer median return on capital of 2.6% averaged over the same three years. Evidently, the relatively high capital investment was successful given the the relatively strong growth in its returns.

Earnings Quality

LUV-US’s net income margin for the last twelve months is around the peer median (2.9% vs. peer median of 2.7%). This average margin and relatively conservative accrual policy (10.2% vs. peer median of 8.1%) suggests possible understatement of its reported net income.

LUV-US’s accruals over the last twelve months are positive suggesting a buildup of reserves. In addition, the level of accrual is greater than the peer median — which suggests a relatively strong buildup in reserves compared to its peers.

Company Profile

Southwest Airlines Co. operates Southwest Airlines, a major passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the United States. It principally provides point-to-point, rather than hub-and-spoke, service. The company’s point-to-point service has enabled it to maximize the use of key assets, including aircraft, gates, and Employees, and has also enabled it to provide its markets with frequent, conveniently timed flights and low fares. AirTran Airways, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. on May 2, 2011. It was founded by Herbert D. Kelleher on March 15, 1967 and is headquartered in Dallas, TX.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this report has been obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but AnalytixInsight does not make any representation about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. This report was produced by AnalytixInsight for informational purposes only and nothing contained herein should be construed as an offer to buy or sell or as a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or derivative instrument. This report is current only as of the date that it was published and the opinions, estimates, ratings and other information may change without notice or publication. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Prior to making an investment or other financial decision, please consult with your financial, legal and tax advisors. AnalytixInsight shall not be liable for any party’s use of this report. AnalytixInsight is not a broker-dealer and does not buy, sell, maintain a position, or make a market in any security referred to herein. One of the principal tenets for us at AnalytixInsight is that the best person to handle your finances is you. By your use of our services or by reading any our reports, you’re agreeing that you bear responsibility for your own investment research and investment decisions. You also agree that AnalytixInsight, its directors, its employees, and its agents will not be liable for any investment decision made or action taken by you and others based on news, information, opinion, or any other material generated by us and/or published through our services. For a complete copy of our disclaimer, please visit our website www.analytixinsight.com.